Single Mom wants to take son on the DCL - How to get best Price

[summerdays]

I'm a single mom and wants to take my 5 yr old son DCL for the first time, for his birthday on the of July 2005, can someone tell me how to get the best price for the whole package. I'm in the first stages of searching prices, and also getting involved in this adventure I want to make it happen for my son, I called Disney direct and they quote me for $4,200 for a 7 day cruise. I was also wondering to get with a group so it can be cheaper.
Anyone can give me some ideas where to start.
Thank you
AP

[anolaw]

Try Costco travel if you have a membership. I think the price is high because the date is so close

Nicole

[smilingmouse]

Try Dana and Michael at www.*********** Their prices and service are EXCELLENT!!!

[BeenHad]

Price is high because the date is close and it is summertime when the kids are out of school. Disney raises its prices for the summer busy season..

If you plan for next year in early May you will find better pricing.

[alexandrew]

Why not consider a 3-day cruise?

The 3-day cruise is 1/2 the cost of the 7-day typically, but you would still have a great time.....

What we like about the 3 day is that you get most of the great highlights of the 7-day, but in an abreviated package (you get the 3 best evening shows on the 3-day)

1) Try booking airfare (if needed,...your profile doesnt state where you live)separately...great Internet deals are out there
2) Find a good, discount TA, experienced with cruising...I recommend Duane from Cruiseone....experienced, patient, and very professional....I've booked all of my cruises with him, and he's always lower than the other named agents I've been recommended...his number is 877-280-8796
3) If you want to extend your vacation, why not a day at Magic Kingdom....I recommend the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista...great rooms, clean, and new....and oh so close to the park
4) I dont recommend the pre-packaged land/sea DCL offers...too pricey

Good Luck with your planning ;)

[pershing]

Unfortunately, your son will be considered the 'second adult' when it comes to price. As a single mom of 3 DS's, this happens to me too. My oldest, who was 8 the first time we sailed, is always given the price of an adult because adult double occupancy has to be fulfilled before kids prices kick in. You probably know this by now, but I didn't in the beginning and was wondering why the quotes from Travel Agents were so high when it was 1 adult and 3 kids until one of them explained that I was being charged for 2 adults and 2 kids.

What was said above regarding booking ahead holds true. Disney is the opposite of alot of other Cruise lines who drop their prices as the cruise approaches and has last minute deals. Disney actually starts with their lowest prices when that year's dates come out (ie:2007 prices and dates will come out this September) and then they raise them as the Cruise date approaches. It's best to book far ahead.

That being said, I don't know about the other Travel Agents mentioned above, although I know many have used Costco. Dreams Unlimited is used alot by people on this board. So has the one I use, All Seasons Travel (*************.com). Their website actually lists the prices for each date right on there. I don't know if they are offering 'Standard Inside Guarantees' for your date but that's another way to save. It means your just guaranteed a cabin and don't get an actual number until close to your sailing.


Ummmmm.....Not sure what else to say. I've only sailed the cold months to get away from....the cold. :flower:

When you're getting these quotes. Make sure your getting the full quote. Cruise plus port fees and taxes! Its a couple hundred difference.

Also, get your own Travel Insurance, Disney's is high. (www.insuremytrip.com for TI comparisons) Book your own airfare, Disney is high.(I recommend looking at Jetblue and Southwest's website) Make your own tranfer arrangements, (one way rental car trips-Budget-the cheapest) 'cause Disney is ......you guessed it! :boat:

[Topper]

You could try posting this on the correct board.